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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Tanzania: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Tanzania source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are tilapia, catfish, shrimp; typical water temperatures are 22–30 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.09 per kWh.

Lake Victoria tilapia cages and coastal seaweed and shrimp projects drive Tanzania's growth; reliable feed and fingerling supply is critical.

Open the Tanzania fish farm cost calculatorRequest a reviewed quote

Key planning facts

Main species
tilapia, catfish, shrimp
Common systems
Cages, Ponds
Water temperature
22–30 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.09 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 1.00 / m³
Compound feed
≈ TZS 3,380 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
18%
Currency
TZS (≈ 2600 / USD)
Licensing authority
Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
Main import ports
Dar es Salaam and Tanga

What to check before requesting quotes in Tanzania

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (22–30 °C) for tilapia.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.09/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Dar es Salaam and Tanga.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 1.00 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 18% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Tanzania?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Tanzania costs roughly TZS 4.7B (≈ $1.8M) – TZS 7.3B (≈ $2.8M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Tanzania?

Commercial projects in Tanzania mainly focus on tilapia, catfish, shrimp.

Who licenses aquaculture in Tanzania?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Tanzania questions: see the market FAQ

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